Rural Illinois Customized Employment Sustainability Project

New Social Security Information

SSI Resources Limits: Individual

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA):

Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits did not automatically increase in 2010 as there was no increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) from the third quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009.  Other important 2010 Social Security information is as follows:

Social Security Disability Thresholds:

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
Non-Blind $1,000/mo.
Blind $1,640/mo. (no change from 2009)

Trial Work Period (TWP)

$ 720/mo.

SSI Federal Payment Standard: Individual $674/mo; Couple $1,011/mo. (no change from 2009)

$2,000; Couple $3,000

SSI Student Exclusion:

Monthly limit $1,640; Annual limit $6,600 (no change from 2009)

Illinois 1619 (b) Threshold:

$26,298

Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities

Income Limit:  350% of Federal Poverty Level = $3,159 per month for a single person and $4,250 per month for a couple

Unlike other Medicaid programs, HBWD allows enrollees to have up to $25,000 in assets and funds in accounts that cannot be accessed until age 59 ½ are excluded.  Depending on their income, enrollees pay a monthly premium based on their income range to receive comprehensive healthcare coverage.  See:  www.hbwdillinois.com

Link to Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Projects in Illinois:

http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/disabilities/en/home/WorkIncentives

 

RICES Project Outcomes UpDate

Project Update: August 10, 2010

Since the beginning of the Rural Illinois Customized Employment Sustainability Project in May 2008, the Project has been part of the following outcomes:

6 RICES participants are employed in jobs customized to their own individual abilities; preferences and conditions

6 RICES participants are now tax-payers and have reduced their dependence upon public benefit programs

1 RICES participant is now a board member of his local Kiwanis Club

A RICES participant is being supported in his goal to move from an ICF to a facility sponsored group home

7 community rehabilitation providers (= 30 individual staff members and administration) , 3 individual parents, 3 Special Education teachers and one family-led cooperative (7 job seekers) have all been trained on the Customized Employment process

An additional family-led cooperative intends to be the newest RICES site – with Training and Technical Assistance to begin in September

Increased utilization of services of the Social Security Administration funded Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Projects around the state 24 beneficiaries of Social Security Administration disability cash programs have received individualized benefits planning

24 RICES participants are better equipped to increase their monthly income through work and by utilizing available work incentives

The RICES sites have learned that in order to best implement the Customized Employment processes, a re-alignment of staff duties needs to take place

Several RICES sites have requested funding through the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant to support their innovative practices

The Customized Employment process can begin before individuals exit the school system Customized Employment is part of the transition process at one high school and in one Special Education Cooperative Community partnerships are being enriched through connections between community rehabilitation service providers; school systems; families; universities and community colleges.